Resilient finger grip for thermometers



S. FALK Dec. 18, 1951 RESILIENT FINGER GRIP FOR THERMOMETERS Filed June 29, 1946 INVENTOR Samoan FALK Patented Dec. 18, 1951 "un -FreornrENT o FaromsmEN-mm em FOR .lT-HERMOMETERS App'IieatimJ-une 2 9,

Y 2 'Claims.

This invention 1- relates to fthermometers and more specificallyto plastic thermometers.

The object of the present invention is the construction of an all-'plasticthermometer which because plastic is used --in its construction, is unbreakable when dropped, ,andwhich cannot accidentally break when placed in the mouth or rectum.

The i'nvention is characterized by forming :a thermometer of a transparentplastic:material and providing a finger grip;...An object o fthe invention-sis to form atranspa'rent plasticther- :mometer with a finger. gripping means t'o .permit an easy grasping of the instrument and :lessen the chances of dropping-it.

Another object "to f6rinthe thermometer with a finger grip which-carrbe used as a'guar'd t'o protect-the bulb.

A further object is to form the instrument inexpensively and simply but to equip it with elements which protect it from mishaps, and provide a cover for its bulb when the instrument is not in use.

These and other objects are accomplished by forming the thermometer of a transparent plastic material and shaping it with a flange having a pair of opposing finger grips on its outer side surface.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a transparent plastic thermometer embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a top view of the thermometer shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a front view of a thermometer containing a modification of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a top view of the thermometer shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a front view of a thermometer containing another modification of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a top view of the thermometer shown in Fi 5.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a thermometer containing a further modification of the invention.

Fig. 8 is a top view of the thermometer shown in 1518- 7.

194561- Serial Nth-"680,405

"55 ,,.-In .the 'drawings and in the specificatiom-in -whi'ch the-same numbers indicate similar "elements, a :transparent plastic thermometer {'15, shown in Figs. :1 and2-is comprised of a' tube ilfisbulb-il anda flange l8. 7 The tube. liihas a on) :bore 19 suitable for :containing anexpandible fluid such as is used asan' indicator .in'athermometer with its lengthrmarkedbff, forlgradmated by transverse :lines "23 indicating various temperatures.

:iIhe bulb I1 is formed atonewend-i'of the.tube *and'its mouthopensdnto the -b'OI'B 'Of the tube and it a is suitable for :containing ;.the required =-amountrof thermometric:'fiuidnecessary30011 111911- erly function within the tube.

The flange I3 is positioned on the tube at its end removed from the bulb. The flange extends completely around the tube and is of a substantial size in the direction of the axis of the tube and cross section normal to the axis, and acts as a gripping means by which the thermometer may be easily and safely held.

In a variation of the invention shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a thermometer 2| is comprised of a thermometer tube 22, bulb 23 and a collar 24. The thermometer tube 22 and bulb 23 are similar to the tube l6 and bulb ll of Fig. 1. The collar 24 extends about more than half the circumference of the tube and fits slidably, though quite securely to it, the open part of the collar permitting the liquid and graduations to be observed.

In a further variation of the invention shown in Figs. 5 and 6, a thermometer 25 is comprised of a tube 26, bulb 21 and collar 28. The thermometer tube and bulb resemble the tube I6 and bulb H of Fig. 1. The collar 28, like the collar 24, extends partially but about the tube and grips it securely. The collar at the sides of its opening 29 is provided with indentations 30 suitable for being used as finger grips.

In a variation of the invention shown in Figs. '7 and 8 a thermometer 3| is provided with a tube 32, bulb 33, and collar or flange 34, the tube and bulb being similar to the tube I6 and bulb I! of Fig. 1. The collar or flange 34 fits closely enough about the tube 32 to grip it and prevent relative movement unless force is applied. The collar is provided with the finger grip 55 holes 35.

In a variation of the invention shown in Figs. 9 and 10, a plastic thermometer 36 is provided with a tube 31, bulb 38, and collar ll of Fig. 1. The collar 39 is oval in cross section and has a bore 40, also oval in cross section. The distance across the short axis of the oval being the same as the diameter of the tube, so that the collar holds on the tube. The material of the collar is resilient and flexible enough so that when the collar is squeezed along the long axis of the oval. the short axial distance of the bore increases and peratures, the bulb joined to the tube at one end and the collar being formed of resilient material having an ovate circumference and bore, the

permits the collar to be slid along the tube. I

The collar has a length of height 4| consider-- ably greater than the length of the bulb so that it can be slid over the bulb and well up on the tube and act as a protection against the breaking of the bulb at its neck (see phantom of collar.

Fig. 10). The collar 39 is provided, also, with a pair of finger grip indentations 42 at the leftand a single thumb grip indentation 43 at the right of the tube.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modificalength of the shorter diameter of the bore being slightly smaller than the diameter of the tube and said collar having two finger gripping indentations on its left one side one above the other and "one finger gripping indentation on its other est bore diameter of the collar whereby the collar can rest securely on the tube and be slidably moved thereon when the collar is squeezed by fingers engaged in the indentations.

SAMUEL FALK. Y

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Great Britain June 26, 1924 

